Gabby Otchere-Darko Shares Reason Asaase Radio Was Shut Down

• Board Chairman of Asaase Broadcasting Company Ltd., Gabby Otchere-Darko, confirmed the shutdown of his radio station
• He said the station was delayed in renewing its licence in 2025 following sanctions by the National Communications Authority
• Asaase Radio was one of 64 stations reported to have been sanctioned by the state for operating without the valid authorisation

Board Chairman of Asaase Broadcasting Company Ltd., Gabby Otchere-Darko, has shared that his radio station was shut down due to a licensing issue.

He indicated that the station was delayed in renewing its licence in 2025. This was meant to be renewed by October 2024, but only done in December.

Otchere-Darko also noted that the station was due to celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday, June 14.

"Yes, it’s true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down. The General Manager informs me it’s because the station delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024."

Asaase Radio is one of 64 stations sanctioned by the National Communications Authority for operating without valid authorisation.

The stations were directed to suspend operations. They were found to have had expired licences, failed to commence operations within the permitted timeframe, and among others.

Out of the 62 affected stations, 28 were found to be operating with expired authorisations, 14 received authorisation but failed to set up operations within two years, and 13 were operating under provisional authorisation, despite having paid the required fees.

Seven stations paid provisional fees, but final authorisation was pending due to non-fulfilment of requirements.

The authority stressed in a statement said all broadcasters were to comply fully with licensing obligations to remain operational.

Earlier shutdown of multiple Ghanaian radio stations

In February, Minister for Communication Sam George had directed the National Communications Authority to shut down seven radio station frequencies.

Six of these stations were reported to have been operating without valid frequency authorisations, while one other was closed on alleged security grounds.

Gumah FM in Bawku was shut down following urgent national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council.

The other stations affected were:

• Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani – 90.1MHz
• I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale – 89.7MHz
• Abochannel Media Group, Adidome – 105.7MHz
• Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani – 99.7MHz
• Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman – 99.7MHz
• Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta – 99.7MHz

The Ministry for Communication, in a statement, explained that aside from Gumah FM, the other six failed to renew their authorisations, fulfil statutory payment obligations, or submit the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.

As of 2023, the National Communications Authority had given frequency authorisations to 747 FM broadcasting stations in Ghana. Out of the total number of authorised FM broadcasting stations, 550 were operating.

Changes at National Communications Authority

YEN.com.gh also reported that George shook up the management of the National Communications Authority by sacking its director for cyber security, Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo, effective from February 14, 2025.

This date was when the letter was issued by the Ministry of Communication. Notably, Kwadwo Gyamfi is the son of Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a former senior minister and an adviser to former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh